ROBERT W BIRCKHEAD
Engineering in Pompano Beach, FL

4549838, Oct 29, 1985

Nov 14, 1980

6/206866

Robert W. Birckhead - Pompano Beach FL

Alpine Engineered Products, Inc. - Pompano Beach FL

F16B 500, F16B 1500

411468

A method for quickly manufacturing a connector plate of varying design strength in a minimum size plate for joining wooden members which approximates the ideal connector plate for that particular design, thereby making it unnecessary to use plates of greater strength than required. The plate is produced with a controlled number of teeth extending transversely outwardly from one major side of the plate in varying patterns. The new and improved method includes feeding sheet metal stock of predetermined width through a die having a plurality of punches that are controlled for relative movement with respect to the stock, striking the sheet metal plate with the die at predetermined intervals to form the particular desired pattern of teeth extending from the plate and leaving a plurality of longitudinally extending slots formed in the plate, and cutting the plate when the desired total length of the plate is reached. Therefore a variety of connector plates may be constructed of minimum area, while realizing maximum tensile strength. A method of making an ideal plate can be accomplished by feeding stock into a punch press having a die with a plurality of punches configured in an ideal pattern, and punching the stock making an ideal connector plate.

4737060, Apr 12, 1988

Aug 28, 1985

6/771136

Robert W. Birckhead - Pompano Beach FL

F16B 500, F16B 1500

411468

A method for quickly manufacturing a connector plate of varying design strength in a minimum size plate for joining wooden members which approximates the ideal connector plate for that particular design, thereby making it unnecessary to use plates of greater strength than required. The plate is produced with a controlled number of teeth extending transversely outwardly from one major side of the plate in varying patterns. The new and improved method includes feeding sheet metal stock of predetermined width through a die having a plurality of punches that are controlled for relative movement with respect to the stock, striking the sheet metal plate with the die at predetermined intervals to form the particular desired pattern of teeth extending from the plate and leaving a plurality of longitudinally extending slots formed in the plate, and cutting the plate when the desired total length of the plate is reached. Therefore a variety of connector plates may be constructed of minimum area, while realizing maximum tensile strength. A method of making an ideal plate can be accomplished by feeding stock into a punch press having a die with a plurality of punches configured in an ideal pattern, and punching the stock making an ideal connector plate.

4625535, Dec 2, 1986

Jan 9, 1985

6/690365

Robert W. Birckhead - Pompano Beach FL

B21D 3102, B21D 2826

72326

A method for quickly manufacturing a connector plate of varying design strength in a minimum size plate for joining wooden members which approximates the ideal connector plate for that particular design, thereby making it unnecessary to use plates of greater strength than required. The plate is produced with a controlled number of teeth extending transversely outwardly from one major side of the plate in varying patterns. The new and improved method includes feeding sheet metal stock of predetermined width through a die having a plurality of punches that are controlled for relative movement with respect to the stock, striking the sheet metal plate with the die at predetermined intervals to form the particular desired pattern of teeth extending from the plate and leaving a plurality of longitudinally extending slots formed in the plate, and cutting the plate when the desired total length of the plate is reached. Therefore a variety of connector plates may be constructed of minimum area, while realizing maximum tensile strength. A method of making an ideal plate can be accomplished by feeding stock into a punch press having a die with a plurality of punches configured in an ideal pattern, and punching the stock making an ideal connector plate.

4442649, Apr 17, 1984

Oct 18, 1982

6/434962

Robert Birckhead - Deerfield Beach FL
William R. McAlpine - Coral Springs FL

E04C 302, E04H 1206

52693

A fabricated wooden beam including at least two longitudinal wooden members spaced parallel and apart by a plurality of wooden blocks spaced between and along the length of the longitudinal members. A plurality of truss plates, each installed across one side of a block and spanning between each longitudinal member, provide structural integrity. The truss plates are installed in pairs with one across either face of each block at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Alignment of the generally parallel truss plates on one side of the beam is at an acute or preferably right angle to the alignment of the generally parallel truss plates on the opposite side of the beam. The preferred truss plate alignment of truss plates on both sides of the beam is at approximately 45. degree. to the longitudinal axis of the beam so that the beam has structural symmetry and optimal material utilization. Narrow truss plates at each end, tieing the ends of the longitudinal members and the end block more securely together, are designer optional.